Craft Lake City Artist: Carrie Eldredge

When not slaving away at Salt Lake City’s own FICE, a men and women’s clothing and shoe boutique located in the heart of the city, Carrie Eldredge spends her time recycling. That is, she recycles things that other people have discarded into her own art. “I like to take objects that I consider to have spirit or soul and continue that feeling, especially if they are objects that have been somewhat cast aside. Things that most people would consider trash, I can still see value and beauty in,” she says.

On display at Craft Lake City, Eldredge will have a collection of hand-made (or altered) accessories, ranging from jewelry and clothing to hand and shoulder bags. She has what she calls a “super eclectic style,” which shines through perfectly in her creations. “I make art for my own sake,” she says, “I really just enjoy creating art that projects things around me that I’m into, so if I meet anyone that’s into anything that I make, it really excites me.” Her crafts are visual and wearable extensions of her own inspirations, and Eldredge has no shortage of inspiration. “I get inspiration from music, artwork, conversation, animals, bugs...everything,” she says.

Eldredge feels excited and privileged to part of the first annual Craft Lake City, and she seems to be equally excited about checking out other people’s art as she is about displaying her own. “I think it’s a big deal,” she says. “It’s a great community event hyper-focusing on handmade goods, and I think it gives people an opportunity to come together and show what they’re doing.” Eldredge is completely aware of, and excited about, the fact that this event will not only focus on individual art, but on the diversity and uniqueness of the artists themselves. “It seems like everyone’s doing something different, and I think it reflects the culture here in Salt Lake, and how much passion we have for what we do on an individual basis,” she says.

Eldredge has been experimenting with and creating her own art, be it clothing or jewelry, since she was quite young. She’s unable to estimate roughly what time in her life she took interest in recycling and modification for the sake of art, but one hint may be found in her childhood clothing troubles. “My mom always told me that I couldn’t match my socks, and I think that helps define myself and my art.”

“Come out and check out Craft Lake City. It’s going to be an excellent way for people to meet each other, and I hope people are inspired by the crafts and art that will be on display,” says Eldredge.